Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

33. Plant Anatomy

Roots and Shoots

General Biology

33. Plant Anatomy

Roots and Shoots

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Multiple Choice

How are a taproot system and a fibrous root system different?

A taproot system is primarily used for water absorption, while a fibrous root system is used for nutrient storage.

A taproot system is found only in monocots, while a fibrous root system is found only in dicots.

A taproot system grows horizontally, while a fibrous root system grows vertically.

A taproot system has a single, large primary root, while a fibrous root system consists of many small roots of similar size.

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Verified step by step guidance

Begin by understanding the basic structure of a taproot system. A taproot system features a single, large primary root that grows directly downward. This primary root can penetrate deep into the soil, providing stability and accessing deeper water sources.

Next, explore the structure of a fibrous root system. Unlike the taproot system, a fibrous root system consists of many small roots that are similar in size. These roots spread out horizontally and are typically found near the surface of the soil.

Consider the functional differences between the two systems. The taproot system is advantageous for plants that need to access water deep in the soil and provides strong anchorage. In contrast, the fibrous root system is beneficial for plants that require efficient nutrient absorption from the topsoil and helps prevent soil erosion.

Examine the types of plants that typically have each root system. Taproot systems are commonly found in dicots, such as carrots and dandelions, while fibrous root systems are typical in monocots, like grasses and wheat.

Finally, reflect on the ecological roles of each root system. Taproot systems can help plants survive in dry conditions by reaching deeper water sources, whereas fibrous root systems can quickly absorb nutrients and water from rainfall, supporting rapid growth in favorable conditions.